Strictly Come Dancing star Stefan Dennis is stuck in the UK and cannot fly home to Australia on doctors’ orders.
Stefan, 66, has been forced to quit Strictly after tearing a muscle in his calf.
The Neighbours star has now revealed he can’t return home over fears he could develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on the plane.
Stefan’s wife Gail has been left in tears and told fans the actor is waiting for “blood to drain” before he can fly.
Writing on Instagram, Gail said: “Crying because the journey is over… but thrilled he’s coming home (well when the blood is drained and he gets the all clear to fly!) hurry up darling. I can’t wait to feel you in my arms again.”
Stefan Dennis quits Strictly Come Dancing
Stefan has also spoken about his plight during a red carpet appearance. The actor attended this year’s Pride of Britain Awards and told reporters he cannot return home.
He told The Mirror: “I can’t fly for another two weeks because of the risk of deep vein thrombosis. I just feel like I’ve let everyone down.
“They all say I haven’t, of course, and the pros know all about injuries, but it feels like a shame to go out in this way. It was all going so well.”
It was confirmed on Monday evening that Stefan had been forced to quit Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The announcement came just two days after he had returned to the ballroom following an illness.
Stefan and his dance partner, Dianne Buswell, had to miss Movie Week. But they came back fighting with a Charleston.
The pair also appeared on Sunday’s Strictly Come Dancing: The Results and revealed their plans for Week 5. This weekend is Icons Week and they were going to take on Jon Bon Jovi.
But in a statement, Stefan confirmed he is out the series for good.
Stefan: “I can’t tell you how devastated I am”
Stefan said: “This morning I woke up to the most disappointing day of the time in my Strictly journey. Just when I had finally gained the confidence to do well with my dancing in the comp and achieve more great dances along the way, I was told that on Saturday I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.”
He continued: “I can’t tell you how devastated I am to have to leave so prematurely especially, as there has been, and still is, so much love and support from everyone for both Dianne and myself.
“I owe both the Strictly Family and Dianne a massive debt of gratitude for giving me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of being able to dance with my wife. (When my leg is better) Fun fact for all the avid Neighbours fans… it’s the same leg!”
Stefan was referring to his Neighbours character Paul Robinson, who had a false leg.
Dianne has since posted a touching tribute to Stefan. Sharing her sadness at their early exit, she told Stefan he is “the kindest person” she has ever worked with.
Read more: Heartbreaking family tragedy that left Strictly star Stefan Dennis bereft
